JOLO Vineyards, Yadkin Valley (North Carolina) 2018

 I love what’s happening at JOLO, and I hope this award brings them some wider recognition.  Yadkin Valley, North Carolina might not be on the tip of your tongue when it comes to favorite AVA’s, but there’s great fruit being produced there, and it’s being made into great wine – some from varieties you may not know.  This wine blends 25% Cynthiana (aka Norton) with 25% Cabernet Sauvignon and 50% Petit Verdot into a gorgeous glass.  Mixed red berry and cherry, a dash of dill, soft fall spice and easy oak toast all dancing together through a long finish that’s extended by supple grip.  Spring this on your California wine snob friends and spin them around a bit!  A Platinum Award winner at the 2020 Winemaker Challenge International Wine Competition.